It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Clearwater Beach Clearwater, Florida in Clearwater, FL gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Clearwater, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Sherry and her team have been the perfect fit for my folks, who can be…”
“Always Best Care did a tremendous job in taking care of my grandma. She has”
“Literally the best. They helped take the best of care of my grandparents!! Can’t thank”
“Always Best Care has gone above and beyond in helping my grandmother with her health”
“Always Best Care has been such a blessing for our family. Their team has taken”
“Because of Sherry and her staff, I have a new found appreciation for the in”
“Professional care with a personal touch. Some of the nicest people I have ever met”
“I cannot speak highly enough about the exceptional in-home care and professionalism provided by Always”
“Sherry has been absolutely wonderful! She is caring and understanding and very attentive to needs.”
“ABC provides reliable experienced caregivers for my elderly client for over two years now”
“Caring and trustworthy! Elizabeth and Allison always make sure my father’s shifts are covered. They”
“Excellent agency, Great bosses and competitive pay, great service with your caregivers”
“Excellent agency, Great bosses and competitive pay, great service with your caregivers”
“We have used Always Best Senior Care many times. Their service has always exceeded our”
“We have used Always Best Senior Care many times. Their service has always exceeded our”
“Maria has been the best caregiver I had for in home care from Always Best”
“ABC was a life saver for my family and me. The care givers were all”
“ABC was a life saver for my family and me. The care givers were all”
“had very good service with wonderful caring workers for my mom”
“had very good service with wonderful caring workers for my mom”
“Let me start off by saying that Always Best Care is the best home health”
“If you’re looking for care for a loved one, or a job as a caregiver”
“If you’re looking for care for a loved one, or a job as a caregiver”
“Always best care tarpon Springs office has been a life saver with caring for my”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I'm a HHA for this company and there amazing people to work for!!”
“I'm a former employee of ABC and I had an awesome experience working with them.”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I have used Always Best Care for two extended periods. All the staff assigned to”
“Raina King is a true angel, a gift from God. Our beloved Grandmother passed away”
“I love working for for ABC. The owner's are very compassionate about their clients and”
“I’ve worked for Always Best Care going on a year. I love Jeri and Keith,”
“Keith and Jeri are angels that walk among us. My in-laws have been receiving care”
“ABC is a well managed and high quality home health care service. All the workers”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my”
“Sherry and her team have been the perfect fit for my folks, who can be… a handful. The professionalism, understanding, patience, and kindness shown by ABC greatly enhances their quality of life, not to mention the family’s peace of mind.”
“Always Best Care did a tremendous job in taking care of my grandma. She has never been the biggest “people person” and she had no complaints about the level of care she received. It took a lot of trust for me to make this decision to move her, but I fully supported everything Always Best Care stands for and they made the transition so smooth. Absolutely impeccable staff, 11/10 recommend!”
“Literally the best. They helped take the best of care of my grandparents!! Can’t thank them enough!!”
“Always Best Care has gone above and beyond in helping my grandmother with her health needs. Special shout to Arianna Franklin for always reaching out and checking in, she’s one of a kind!”
“Always Best Care has been such a blessing for our family. Their team has taken wonderful care of my grandmother with so much kindness, patience, and respect. They’re reliable, responsive, and truly go above and beyond to make sure she’s comfortable and cared for. It’s been such a relief knowing she’s in good hands. I’m so grateful for their compassion and professionalism and we couldn’t ask for better support.”
“Because of Sherry and her staff, I have a new found appreciation for the in home wellness industry. Prior to Always Best Care Senior Services, my mother was not enjoying her life as much as she could have. Once Sherry and her team came aboard, my mother's quality of life improved ten fold. I will never truly be able to express how deeply grateful I am for all your hard work. You have given my mother a new lease on life. I highly recommend Sherry to anyone in search of in home care for your loved one. Thank you.”
“Professional care with a personal touch. Some of the nicest people I have ever met during these trying times.”
“I cannot speak highly enough about the exceptional in-home care and professionalism provided by Always Best Care Senior Services. From the moment we reached out, their team demonstrated genuine compassion, attentiveness, and a deep understanding of the needs of my mother and her family.”
“Sherry has been absolutely wonderful! She is caring and understanding and very attentive to needs. She has great follow up and follow through and you can tell they take pride in what that do! I would highly recommend to anyone with the need for home health assistance for yourself or a loved one????”
“ABC provides reliable experienced caregivers for my elderly client for over two years now”
“Caring and trustworthy! Elizabeth and Allison always make sure my father’s shifts are covered. They are fantastic at always staying in communication and are so wonderful to work with. My father’s aides: Sharon, Lizette and Rose are incredibly kind, respectful, and caring. What they do matters and I feel so Blessed to have these Angels caring for my father. Over and beyond Stellar!!!????????????”
“Excellent agency, Great bosses and competitive pay, great service with your caregivers”
“Excellent agency, Great bosses and competitive pay, great service with your caregivers”
“We have used Always Best Senior Care many times. Their service has always exceeded our expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend them. I can not thank them enough for the care and support over the years!”
“We have used Always Best Senior Care many times. Their service has always exceeded our expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend them. I can not thank them enough for the care and support over the years!”
“Maria has been the best caregiver I had for in home care from Always Best Care in Tarpon Springs for over a year! She helps with the daily task, transportation and food preparation. All around wonderful service and well-trained caregiver. The difference is that she wants to help you, not just there to get paid. Maria is something special and a very good cook. I highly recommend Always Best Care for senior services. (Stephen Loyek)”
“ABC was a life saver for my family and me. The care givers were all fantastic. My step-mom’s final year and days and the quality of her life were certainly enhanced with the help of this awesome company. Everyone at the company, especially Lisa Crase was so helpful and compassionate. They were all here for us at a very difficult time. I would highly recommend this company if you need an easy and flexible care giver situation for a family member. I just really cannot thank ABC for everything they did for us. Nancy Chango, Tampa, FL”
“ABC was a life saver for my family and me. The care givers were all fantastic. My step-mom’s final year and days and the quality of her life were certainly enhanced with the help of this awesome company. Everyone at the company, especially Lisa Crase was so helpful and compassionate. They were all here for us at a very difficult time. I would highly recommend this company if you need an easy and flexible care giver situation for a family member. I just really cannot thank ABC for everything they did for us. Nancy Chango, Tampa, FL”
“had very good service with wonderful caring workers for my mom”
“had very good service with wonderful caring workers for my mom”
“Let me start off by saying that Always Best Care is the best home health company I’ve ever worked for ! The management treats you like family , they are very considerate and understanding & they make sure we are treating our clients like family as well ! They help make sure that we are providing our clients with the best care possible by choosing the best caregiver that fits each client. Also , There is flexible scheduling where you can pick what schedule fits you best. I love this company because they show me every day that I am appreciated it.”
“If you’re looking for care for a loved one, or a job as a caregiver this is the best place. The owners are very hands on, and they service a wide area. I’ve been with the company for years, I’ve seen the work from staff and it’s amazing the way everyone comes together so that every client receives the best possible care.”
“If you’re looking for care for a loved one, or a job as a caregiver this is the best place. The owners are very hands on, and they service a wide area. I’ve been with the company for years, I’ve seen the work from staff and it’s amazing the way everyone comes together so that every client receives the best possible care.”
“Always best care tarpon Springs office has been a life saver with caring for my mother with dementia. Her caregiver Linda is so dedicated to her job, and my mom and me love her to death. She is very communicative, and passionate about what she does. My mom could not live independently if i did not have always best care and linda by her side. Also whenever speaking with scheduling and office staff- they are always helpful and friendly too! Thanks guys! Yall do amazing work!”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I'm a HHA for this company and there amazing people to work for!!”
“I'm a former employee of ABC and I had an awesome experience working with them. The office staff is very warm and welcoming. The owners, Keith and Jeri are super nice and personable. They recognize their employees every month, they also have different events where we could get together and socialize. I've learned so much more, that wasn't taught at "school". Not a bad company to work for.”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I have used Always Best Care for two extended periods. All the staff assigned to take care of my father were excellent and punctual. The office staff are great and have become great friends. I would recommend this company for the care of your family members.”
“Raina King is a true angel, a gift from God. Our beloved Grandmother passed away today and unfortunately we live far away. Raina was in constant communication with us through the entire journey. She gave great comfort to our loved one and we could not have been blessed with a better person to be by Gram’s side. God Bless you and all that you do. ????????❤️ Highly recommend.”
“I love working for for ABC. The owner's are very compassionate about their clients and caregivers. They go above and beyond to help those in need. I have 20+ years in healthcare and I have never worked with such an AMAZING team!”
“I’ve worked for Always Best Care going on a year. I love Jeri and Keith, very understanding. Rebeca, Natalie and Lisa, Also in the office, all listen to our needs and concerns. They are very understanding to all the caregivers, I feel like a big family with our clients. Working for this company is like having a very big extended family and I love it and would not give it up. And yes I would definitely and highly recommend Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs Florida. The extended family that I don’t have, but I do now. Thank you for letting me be a part of Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs Florida.”
“Keith and Jeri are angels that walk among us. My in-laws have been receiving care from Always Best since May 2019. They are in their 90’s and still in their own home. This has been a year of challenges as my mother-in-law has dementia and my father-in-law’s health has gotten more tenuous. Keith has taken my dad to the hospital and urgent care, grocery shopped for them and scrambled to provide aides on short notice after hospitalization. We live out of state and I have had to depend on them so much. Jeri and Keith go above and beyond and I trust them implicitly! I can’t say enough good about them and I know that they will be successful because they are ethical, caring and operate their business with the highest degree of integrity. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been referred to them.”
“ABC is a well managed and high quality home health care service. All the workers have been consistently good and provide excellent care for our father. Rebeca has been awesome to ensure our needs are satisfied and that we always have the round the clock coverage we need.”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my mom is in good hands. She enjoys their services and I highly recommend them!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Moccasin Lake Nature Park in Clearwater, FL with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Salt Rock Grill or visit Clearwater Historical Society Museum and Cultural Center, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Clearwater, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Clearwater, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Clearwater, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Few beach towns have it all, but Clearwater is one of those rare and precious jewels. Nestled on Florida's west coast near Tampa, the area averages 361 fabulous days of sunshine per year. And it even holds the record for consecutive sunny days at 768—that's more than two years of straight sun.It's no wonder why visitors from around the world—especially snow birds—flock to Clearwater to swim in—you guessed it—crystal clear water. A constant supply of warm weather (temperatures range from low 70s in the win...
Few beach towns have it all, but Clearwater is one of those rare and precious jewels. Nestled on Florida's west coast near Tampa, the area averages 361 fabulous days of sunshine per year. And it even holds the record for consecutive sunny days at 768—that's more than two years of straight sun.
It's no wonder why visitors from around the world—especially snow birds—flock to Clearwater to swim in—you guessed it—crystal clear water. A constant supply of warm weather (temperatures range from low 70s in the winter to low 90s in the summer) and close proximity to two airports (St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport and Tampa International Airport) make planning a vacation here a no-brainer.
Main attractions include lots of free and family-friendly waterfront activities, fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood, great beach bars, an exciting year-round events calendar, a selection of hotels that fit any budget, and of course, miles and miles of drop-dead-gorgeous beaches. Ahead, the best things to do in Clearwater, Florida.
15 Stunning Places In Florida Only A Local Would Recommend
Clearwater Beach is the white-sand beach that’s been repeatedly voted as one of the best in the U.S., if not the world, by various outlets. Just steps from hotels and nightlife spots, you can enjoy the emerald sea and the sugary beaches like a local. Stroll the half-mile Beach Walk (pictured above), where you can spend a day frolicking in the water, checking out the surf shops, hunting for the perfect souvenir at a touristy boutique, or grabbing a bite to eat along the waterfront.
While Clearwater Beach is the heart of all the action, nearby Sand Key Park is a hidden slice of paradise. The 95 acres of salt marshes and spacious sandy beaches are begging to be explored. Here you'll also find plenty of parking at $6 per car.
Just a short jaunt from Clearwater, Honeymoon Island is Florida's most-visited state park. The roughly 370-acre barrier island is home to four miles of completely undeveloped beaches, and while the island draws quite the crowd of beach-goers on the weekends, if you go on a weekday, you'll have the place all to yourself. Admission is $8 per vehicle.
From Honeymoon Island, you can hop on a ferry to Caladesi Island State Park (pictured above), which is only accessible by boat and isn't quite as crowded as its sister park. The beach here is second to none, so pack a picnic and plan to make a whole day of it.
Sunsets at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach operate year-round. Starting two hours before sunset and lasting until two hours after, the nightly celebration brings together artisans and street performers in one location to tip off the start of the evening.
, 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
Score some face time with Clearwater Beach's most famous local residents. Winter and Hope, stars of Dolphin Tale 1 and Dolphin Tale 2, have shared the big screen with the likes of Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, and Harry Connick, Jr., just to name a few. Though Winter passed away in 2021, visitors can still come to experience a VR musical honoring her life and legacy. Hope continues to reside at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a hospital for sick and injured marine life. The aquarium is also an educational facility that offers animal encounters, boat tours, and daily presentations. General admission starts at $41.95 for adults and $32.95 for kids.
The aquarium is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, with the last entry being 30 minutes prior to closing time.
, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767
Ahoy to all pirate-loving briny buccaneers! Board Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise (pictured above), a bright red ship at the Clearwater Beach Marina, and embark on a two-hour odyssey that includes a treasure hunt, dolphin-watching, water gun games, face painting, and tall tales from the captain's crew. Tickets start at $42 for adults and $35 for kids.
, 25 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
A great way to get around town, the Jolley Trolley operates daily service on Clearwater Beach. The Coastal Route runs on weekends between Clearwater Beach and downtown Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs—all of which are great spots for a fun day trip to walk around and explore these charming coastal communities.
, 410 N Myrtle Ave, Clearwater, FL 33755
A mainstay of Clearwater Beach and famous for its classic grouper sandwiches, Frenchy's Rockaway Grill is the largest of the four Frenchy's establishments in the area. The open-air restaurant offers the perfect mix of Floribbean food, beach views, colorful rum drinks, and live local bands.
, 7 Rockaway St, Clearwater, FL 33767
For casual beach fare that includes grass-fed beef burgers and grouper tacos, as well as fresh salads and large helpings, Shephard’s Tiki Beach Bar and Grill is the place to stop. Enjoy live entertainment every afternoon and evening that ranges from reggae to lively local and national acts. Relax with a cool cocktail or get your groove on at the beach-side tiki bar.
, 619 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Another hotspot located in the heart of all the action on Clearwater Beach, Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar (pictured above), was named the best beach bar of 2021 by Visit St. Pete Clearwater. It's a place where you can catch spectacular gulf sunsets, sip on tropical cocktails, nosh on coconut shrimp, and listen to nightly live music on the deck.
, 10 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater, FL 33767
For the best weekend brunch in town, head to Clear Sky Beachside Café in Clearwater Beach. It's a local favorite where the Bloody Marys always go down nice and easy.
, 490 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater, FL 33767
Cruising is making a comeback, and there’s no better place to enjoy the travel trend than at Clearwater’s Starlight Majesty Dining Yacht’s tours around the beach’s waterways. With an open bar, you can enjoy a sunset cruise with a drink in hand and a dinner buffet.
, 25 Causeway Blvd, Slip #152, Clearwater, FL 33767
Situated atop the 10th floor of Clearwater Beach's Pier House 60 Hotel, Jimmy's Crow's Nest (pictured above) is the perfect place to go for great views and cold brews. At sunset, they celebrate by ringing a bell and passing around shots.
, 101 Coronado Dr, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Clearwater Brewing Company is a craft beer, wine, and cocktail bar offering delicious food, too. There are 13 beers and ciders to enjoy while taking in one of those famous Gulf Coast sunsets.
, 1700 N Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL 33755
With plenty of hotel options for nearly every style of traveler, here are a few great places to stay in Clearwater.
Book a room at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa (pictured above), and you'll be close to the nightly sunset celebrations at Pier 60 as well as the pedestrian-friendly Beach Walk. The hotel sits on a stunning stretch of sand, and most rooms have either beach or harbor views.
, 400 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater, FL 33767
At Sandpearl Resort, comfort meets style with sunny Floridian-inspired decor and private balconies with sweeping views of Clearwater, Mandalay Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. The suites feature full kitchens, dining rooms, and furnished balconies. Sandpearl Resort’s laid-back elegance is an ideal home base for a vacation on one of America’s best beaches, including a romantic escape, business trip, or family gathering.
, 500 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Check in to the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, which offers every outdoorsy activity under the sun, including tennis, beach volleyball, and convenient access to local attractions. The hotel has 13 acres of private beach access and offers the perfect respite for a laid-back vacation.
, 1160 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Opal Sands Resort is referred to as Sandpearl Resort’s sassy younger sibling. With a contemporary, beach-chic design approach featuring original pieces by master artist Christopher Still, guests have the perfect setting to unwind with private balconies, luxurious bedding, and upscale amenities.
, 430 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33767
Pitch your tent at the white sands beach that’s known for its lack of foot traffic at the Anclote Key Preserve State Park. You arrive by ferry as there are no access roads, and it’s only a short 15-minute drive from Clearwater proper to where you board. Make sure you pack in a way that allows you to bring your trash back with you, as there are no trash facilities on the island—nice if you think about it.
, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Other great hotel options in the area include the boutique-style, award-winning Palm Pavilion Inn and the Gulf-front Hyatt Clearwater Beach.
From food and music festivals to nightly sunset celebrations, there's always something going on in Clearwater. Here are a few of the area's top annual events.
Happening each year in the springtime, the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival is a two-week celebration that pays homage to the sugary sands of Clearwater Beach. Under massive white tents on the beach, artists craft the most incredible sandcastles and works of art for the Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit. There's also live entertainment, sand sculpting classes and competitions, and plenty of free activities for the kids. Admission to the Sugar Sand Walk exhibit is $16, while children five years old and under are free.
Thousands of spectators head to the waterfront every fall for a glimpse of powerful boats that can reach speeds of up to 100 mph. The XINSURANCE Clearwater Offshore Nationals is perfect for adrenaline junkies and seafood lovers alike. Local hotels and restaurants host special events and watch parties for the speedboat competition.
The granddaddy of Florida jazz festivals, Clearwater Jazz Holiday (pictured above), draws quite the soulful crowd to Coachman Park each fall. Every year, talented international musicians grace the stage, and past performances have even included The Empress of Soul herself, Gladys Knight.
Whether you're a beach bum, tropical cocktail connoisseur, or mini pirate in training, Clearwater Beach is the perfect place for those who love long warm days in the sunshine.
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Clearwater residents raised concerns Tuesday night about a proposal to redevelop The Landings Golf Club into a sports and recreation complex as the city prepares for upcoming council discussions.Dozens of community members attended a meeting to learn more about the proposal from Porter Development. The plan would convert the golf course into a multi-activity sports and recreation campus with 13 soccer fields, a 5,000-seat arena, a water park and other amenities.Melissa Stamos, a founding member of Keep ...
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Clearwater residents raised concerns Tuesday night about a proposal to redevelop The Landings Golf Club into a sports and recreation complex as the city prepares for upcoming council discussions.
Dozens of community members attended a meeting to learn more about the proposal from Porter Development. The plan would convert the golf course into a multi-activity sports and recreation campus with 13 soccer fields, a 5,000-seat arena, a water park and other amenities.
Melissa Stamos, a founding member of Keep Keene Green, said residents want more information before the proposal goes before Clearwater City Council.
“It is going to be a major quality of life issue,” Stamos said. “They’re talking about 2,000 parking spots.”
“This is going to congest traffic in our neighborhood. It’s going to cause a lot of pollution,” said Natalie Waterman, who lives in the St. Andrews Cove condominiums near the golf course.
Porter Development owner Les Porter said the complex would generate $566 million in direct and indirect spending over 10 years. He said the city-owned facility currently does not pay property taxes.
“A nice sliver of those dollars will be property tax, and I know that’s on the forefront of everyone’s mind with the pending legislation,” Porter said.
Stamos said Keep Keene Green was formed in 2020 after a previous proposal for a possible industrial complex at The Landings. That plan did not pass a public vote, but the group continued using its Facebook page to share information and has gained more members.
Stamos said one of the group’s concerns is how development of the 77-acre green space could affect the environment, including stormwater runoff.
“We already witnessed flooding and heavy rains in the golf course and along Keene,” Stamos said. “So, we have serious concerns.”
Porter said the project could help address stormwater issues by adding updated infrastructure.
“The golf course was developed in 1970. As you know, code has changed quite a bit. So, we’re going to put in new infrastructure up to today’s code,” Porter said.
Clearwater Assistant City Manager Al Battle said in a statement that the city council is expected to discuss the proposal during an August 3 work session. The proposal is also scheduled for discussion at the August 6 city council meeting, when residents can provide public comment.
Battle said no final decision is expected at that meeting. Council members will tell staff whether they want to move forward with negotiations, and if they do, more public meetings will be scheduled before the proposal could be approved.
Porter said the early construction budget is about $180 million. He said the development team plans to ask for about $45 million in tourist development tax dollars.
The BriefBeachgoers are being urged to stay out of dangerous surf after Clearwater Beach lifeguards made more than a dozen water rescues in recent days.In a Facebook post published Wednesday afternoon, Clearwater Fire & Rescue said persistent winds and tropical activity in the Gulf continued to produce rough conditions at Clearwater Beach.Crews responded to eight water rescues Tuesday and another five by Wednesday afternoon, the department said."Red flags are flying, indicat...
Beachgoers are being urged to stay out of dangerous surf after Clearwater Beach lifeguards made more than a dozen water rescues in recent days.
In a Facebook post published Wednesday afternoon, Clearwater Fire & Rescue said persistent winds and tropical activity in the Gulf continued to produce rough conditions at Clearwater Beach.
Crews responded to eight water rescues Tuesday and another five by Wednesday afternoon, the department said.
"Red flags are flying, indicating rough surf and dangerous rip currents," Clearwater Fire & Rescue wrote.
What we know:
The National Weather Service has a high rip current risk in effect through Thursday evening for:
Although Tropical Storm Bertha continues to move away from Florida, elevated surf across the eastern Gulf is expected to keep the rip current danger high through the evening. (National Weather Service)
The National Weather Service warns that rip currents can carry even strong swimmers away from shore and into deeper water.
Dig deeper:
A rip current is a narrow, fast-moving channel of water flowing away from the beach.
Rip currents typically extend from near the shoreline through the area where waves are breaking. They commonly develop around breaks in sandbars and near piers, jetties and inlets.
They do not pull swimmers underwater like an undertow. Instead, they carry swimmers away from shore — sometimes at speeds of up to eight feet per second, faster than an Olympic swimmer. They can also form on clear and sunny days.
The danger often increases when a swimmer panics and tries to fight the current directly, quickly exhausting the energy needed to remain afloat.
What you can do:
Clearwater Fire & Rescue is asking visitors to swim near a lifeguard, monitor the flags posted at lifeguard towers and obey all beach warnings.
"Swimming is not advised while red flags are displayed," the department wrote.
Anyone caught in a rip current should:
The safest option is to swim directly in front of a staffed lifeguard tower and remain out of the water when lifeguards advise beachgoers not to enter.
What's next:
The high rip current risk is scheduled to remain in effect through Thursday evening.
Beachgoers should check the warning flags and speak with lifeguards before entering the Gulf, as conditions can vary between beaches and change throughout the day.
The Source: The information in this story comes from a Wednesday afternoon Facebook post by Clearwater Fire & Rescue, a Rip Current Statement issued by the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay and rip current safety guidance from the National Weather Service.
October is creeping up and the spirit of Halloween is in the air as Spirit Halloween opens stores nationwide with plans to have the most stores in company history.Targeting a record-setting 1,575 stores compared to 1,546 stores in 2025 and 1,535 stores in 2024, Spirit Halloween director of PR Lori Tesoro shared the company's plans with USA TODAY back in June.Buy Halloween decorations on AmazonAnd if you're wanting to beat the crowds before the spooky shops get scarily swamped in October at a location near you and score s...
October is creeping up and the spirit of Halloween is in the air as Spirit Halloween opens stores nationwide with plans to have the most stores in company history.
Targeting a record-setting 1,575 stores compared to 1,546 stores in 2025 and 1,535 stores in 2024, Spirit Halloween director of PR Lori Tesoro shared the company's plans with USA TODAY back in June.
Buy Halloween decorations on Amazon
And if you're wanting to beat the crowds before the spooky shops get scarily swamped in October at a location near you and score some monster savings, look no further.
Here's what to know.
Get weekly deals, trends and product recommendations from USA TODAY Shopping delivered straight to your inbox.Spirit Halloween stores are typically open until about 7 p.m., with some locations extending hours closer to Halloween.
All hours differ depending on the store and location. To find the hours of a Spirit Halloween near you, use the store locator here or at stores.spirithalloween.com.
These Spirit Halloween stores are listed to either open or are "coming soon" to over 60 Florida cities, according to the store locator. Last year, there were Spirit Halloween stores in 67 Florida cities.
Brick-and-mortar Spirit Halloween stores typically start opening at empty storefronts in August, and usually close within the first week of November, but die-hard Halloween enthusiasts also can shop online year-round.
To find a Spirit Halloween near you, use the store locator here or at stores.spirithalloween.com.
When do we change clocks in Florida? Daylight saving time 2026 explained Get a smarter, lighter look at the day with Florida TODAY newsletter Florida Amazon employees find new jobs as hundreds navigate layoffsCustomers can find available Spirit Halloween coupons and promotions on the store website's dedicated page:
Only one coupon or promotion can be applied per order, according to the site.
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
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